exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

-ˌsplȯ-

: the act or an instance of exploring

explorational

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌsplȯ-

adjective

Synonyms of exploration

• investigation
• inquiry
• examination
• study
• probing
• research
• probe

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration

the early exploration of the West

early explorations of the West

Recent Examples on the Web

The global celebration aims to raise awareness of lunar observation, science and exploration, which has intensified in recent years as NASA and its partners work to return humans to the surface of the moon as part of its Artemis program. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Our paper argues that end-to-end AI systems could compress this variation by steering exploration toward what existing data suggest is likely to succeed. — Julio Ottino, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026

Contributor Hayley Domin is a British travel journalist and solo travel advocate, and the founder of Hayley on Hiatus, a platform inspiring independent exploration through destination guides and thoughtful travel advice. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026

Her narrative weaves together two genres she has long been known for, crime fiction and science fiction, and continues Mandel's explorations of chaos, identity, impermanence and transcendence. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploration

• re-exploration
• self-exploration

Rhymes for exploration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or an instance of exploring